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Roof Pressure Washing in Florida

Roof pressure washing is the cleaning of a roof to remove black streaks, algae, mold, and moss. On a roof we do it with low pressure and a roof-safe cleaner, called a soft wash, because high pressure can damage shingles. Fast Pro washes shingle, tile, and metal roofs for homeowners across Florida.

Serving homeowners across Florida. 6+ years on Florida homes. 2,500+ jobs completed. Last updated .

Roof mid-wash with a clean line showing against black algae streaks on a Florida roof

Every roof wash includes

Low pressure only
  • Roof walked and assessed
  • Gutters cleared first
  • Plants covered and wet down
  • Roof-safe cleaner, low pressure
  • Gutters and downspouts flushed after
  • Before and after photos

What the black streaks on your roof really are

They are living organisms, which is why wiping or hosing them rarely works.

The dark streaks on Florida roofs are a cyanobacterium called Gloeocapsa magma. It lands on damp shingles, feeds on the limestone filler in the asphalt, and darkens as it grows to protect itself from the sun. It travels on the wind, so a clean roof next to a streaked one will not stay clean forever. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association reports that this algae discoloration is most widespread in the Gulf States, and Florida is one of them.

Streaks show first on north-facing slopes, shaded sections, and the lower edge of the roof where moisture lingers. Left alone, the growth holds water against the shingles, and the roof sheds more granules into your gutters.

Why we do not use a pressure washer on a roof

The word pressure is in the service name because that is how people search. The method is low pressure.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says high-pressure washing is likely to damage asphalt roofing and tells owners not to use a power washer or a brush on algae. High pressure strips the protective granules, can drive water under the shingles, and takes off the surface growth while leaving the roots, so the streaks come back sooner.

High-pressure blasting compared with low-pressure soft wash on a roof
On your roofHigh-pressure blastingOur low-pressure soft wash
Shingle granulesKnocked off, which shortens roof lifeLeft in place
AlgaeSurface growth removed, roots stayCleaner kills the growth at its base
Water intrusionCan force water under shingles and around flashingGentle flow that follows the way rain already runs
Tile and metalCan chip tile edges and scar coatingsSafe on shingle, tile, and metal when done with care
Manufacturer guidanceAdvised against for asphalt shinglesThe approach manufacturers point to

How we wash your roof, step by step

The order matters, because the runoff goes into your gutters.

  1. 1

    We walk the property and assess the roof

    We look at the roof material, the pitch, the amount of growth, any loose or cracked pieces, and how we can reach every slope safely.

  2. 2

    We clear the gutters first

    Debris comes out of the trough and downspouts before any cleaner goes on, so the rinse water has a clear path to the ground.

  3. 3

    We protect and wet down the plants

    Shrubs, flower beds, and anything near the walls get covered or soaked with fresh water first, and again at the end.

  4. 4

    We apply the roof-safe cleaner

    The cleaner goes on at low pressure from the lower edge to the ridge, so every area of growth is covered evenly.

  5. 5

    We let it work

    The cleaner needs time to kill the algae. We do not scrub the shingles, because that loosens granules.

  6. 6

    We rinse gently

    A low-pressure rinse carries the cleaner and the dead growth off the roof. We work from the ridge down so the runoff stays on the slope.

  7. 7

    We flush the gutters and downspouts again

    Dead algae and shingle grit wash into the trough. We flush every run and every pipe so none of it settles in a bend.

  8. 8

    We photograph the roof and walk the property

    You get before and after photos, and we rinse the plants, the walkways, and the siding below the roofline.

Black algae streaks across a Florida asphalt shingle roof before cleaning

Streaks like these start on the shaded slopes and spread across the roof over a few seasons.

Before and after: one roof, soft washed

The same roof slope, photographed before and after the wash.

Before roof cleaning: black algae streaks on the shingles
Before: black algae streaks
After roof cleaning: the same roof slope clean and even
After: the same roof, clean

Roof types we clean

Each material gets its own cleaner strength, footing, and rinse.

Roof types we clean in Florida, what grows on each, and how we handle them
Roof typeWhat grows on itHow we handle itWhat we watch
Asphalt shingleGloeocapsa magma streaks, moss at the edgesLow-pressure cleaner, no brush, gentle rinseGranule loss, curling, and loose tabs
Concrete or clay tileAlgae, mildew, and lichen in humid areasLow-pressure cleaner, careful footing, ridge-down rinseCracked or loose tiles, which we point out before we start
MetalMildew, pollen film, and dirtCleaner matched to the coating, soft rinseScratches, slippery panels, and fasteners
Flat or low-slope sectionsStanding-water algae and debrisClear debris, wash gently, check drainagePonding water and seams

Not sure what your roof is made of? Tell us the color, the age, and what the roof looks like from the street. We confirm the material when we walk the property.

Signs your roof needs cleaning

Most of these are visible from the driveway.

  • Dark streaks running down one or more slopes
  • Green patches or fuzzy moss along the lower edge and in the valleys
  • A shaded slope that looks darker than the sunny side
  • Granules collecting in the gutters or at the downspout outlets
  • A roof that stays damp long after the rain stops
  • A neighbor with a streaked roof, since the algae spreads by wind

How often should a Florida roof be cleaned?

Most roofs do well with a wash every two to three years. Shade and tree cover can shorten that.

  • Heavily shaded roofs and north-facing slopes may need it sooner
  • Roofs under live oaks collect pollen and litter that feed growth
  • Algae-resistant shingles, installed at replacement, slow regrowth
  • Zinc or copper strips near the ridge can help release metal ions that discourage algae on rain
  • A regular gutter cleaning keeps grit from collecting and staining the roof edge

Roof wash and gutters in one visit

Booking them together saves a second setup and gives a cleaner result.

We start with the gutters, because the roof rinse needs a clear path off the house. After the wash, we flush the gutters and downspouts again so dead algae and shingle grit leave the system. If the gutter faces are streaked, we can brighten them in the same visit, which is easier on a roof that is already clean. Ask about gutter brightening when you book.

What affects the price of roof pressure washing

Roofs differ more than houses do. These are the details that move the quote.

Roof size
Larger roofs take longer to cover, rinse, and flush.
Roof material
Shingle, tile, and metal each need their own cleaner and approach.
Pitch and stories
Steep roofs and two-story houses need extra setup.
How much growth
Heavy streaking and moss take more cleaner and more time.
Access and plantings
Fences, shrubs, and tight side yards change how we protect the property.
Gutters
Booked together, the gutter work and the roof wash share setup.

Get a quote by phone

Tell us the roof material, the number of stories, and what you see. We quote it by phone.

Call (813) 856-2726

Services that pair with roof washing

A roof wash touches everything below it, so most customers add the gutter work in the same visit.

Where we wash roofs

Humidity, salt, and shade drive roof algae, and all three vary from county to county. We plan each wash around the roof in front of us.

Find your county

Not sure we cover your town? Call us at (813) 856-2726 with your address.

Roof pressure washing questions, answered

Is pressure washing safe for my roof?

High pressure is not. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says high-pressure washing is likely to damage asphalt roofing. We wash roofs with low pressure and a roof-safe cleaner, so the cleaner does the work and the water only rinses it off.

What is the difference between roof pressure washing and soft washing?

Pressure washing uses force to blast dirt off a surface. Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills the growth. On a roof, we use the second method and still call the service roof pressure washing because that is what most people search for.

What causes black streaks on a Florida roof?

A cyanobacterium called Gloeocapsa magma, usually just called roof algae. It lands on damp shingles, feeds on the limestone filler inside them, and spreads on the wind. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says algae discoloration is most widespread in the Gulf States.

Can a roof cleaning damage my shingles?

Done wrong, yes. Done with low pressure and no scrubbing, the shingles keep their protective granules. We never use a pressure washer on shingles, we do not brush them, and we rinse gently from the ridge downward.

Will roof cleaning void my shingle warranty?

Check your manufacturer's warranty, since terms vary. Many warranties exclude damage from high-pressure washing, which is the method we avoid. We follow the low-pressure approach the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends for asphalt shingles.

How long does a roof cleaning last?

Most Florida roofs do well with a wash every two to three years. Shade, tree cover, and north-facing slopes grow algae back sooner. Algae-resistant shingles and zinc or copper strips along the ridge can slow regrowth.

Can you clean a tile roof?

Yes. Concrete and clay tile collect algae and mildew in Florida's humidity. Tile breaks if stepped on wrongly, so we plan our footing, stay off weak spots, and use low pressure. We tell you before we start if any tiles are already cracked.

Can you clean a metal roof?

Yes. Metal roofs collect mildew, dirt, and pollen, and the panels are slippery when wet. We use a cleaner suited to the coating, rinse gently, and avoid anything that scratches the finish.

Is roof cleaning safe for my plants and pets?

We cover and wet down plants before we spray, rinse them afterward, and keep the runoff off your beds. Keep pets inside during the wash and until the rinse is done. We tell you when the area is clear.

Do you clean the gutters when you wash the roof?

Yes, and in a set order. We clear the gutters first so the rinse has somewhere to go, wash the roof, then flush the gutters and downspouts again so dead algae and grit do not settle in a bend.

What happens if it rains after the roof is cleaned?

Light rain does no harm and helps rinse the surface. The cleaner keeps working on the algae for days after the wash, so the full result often shows over the following weeks as the roof dries out.

Is it better to clean my roof or replace it?

Algae stains are cosmetic at first, and cleaning is much less work than a new roof. If the shingles are curling, losing granules, or leaking, cleaning will not fix that. We tell you what we see during the walk-around.

Which Florida counties do you serve for roof cleaning?

We serve homeowners across Florida. The counties we serve page lists each county and its main cities. If you are close to a county line, call with your address and we will confirm.

Roof streaked and stained?

Call and tell us what your roof is made of and what you see on it. We quote by phone and find a day that works.

Call (813) 856-2726
Call (813) 856-2726